Best Colleges in South Dakota of 2024

For students seeking a combination of academic opportunities and the excitement of top-tier college athletics, the University of South Dakota will undoubtedly fit the bill. Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota was the first public university in the state. USD provides its students with more than 200 majors, including both undergraduate and graduate programs; there is only one medical school and one law school in the state, and USD hosts them both. Undergraduates will find ample funding, support, and mentorship to engage in hands-on research early in their college careers. Joining the Coyote community extends beyond the classrooms, and the state-of-the-art labs: USD students actively participate in and cheer on the school's NCAA Division I athletic teams.

South Dakota State University is the largest college in the state, with a student body surpassing 11,000. With such high enrollment, you can expect an extensive list of academic programs and extracurricular activities. Students can choose from nearly 200 undergraduate majors and at least 50 post-graduate options. SDSU invests in both international enrollment and study abroad opportunities; incoming freshmen have the chance to participate in the Jacks Start Abroad program, during which students travel throughout Europe to explore academic topics. SDSU is particularly recognized for its nursing program. South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, a quintessential college town full of late-night eats and activities. There's no need to leave campus during the frozen winter season, though. SDSU is home to a wellness center, a busy student union, and a respected performing arts center.

Augustana University is a private institution founded in the Lutheran faith. Students enjoy the flexibility of more than 50 academic majors without compromising on a small, hands-on classroom experience; the average Augustana University class contains just 21 students. Some of the school's top undergraduate programs include biology, business, and elementary education. Students are also encouraged to participate in the school's extensive internship and study abroad opportunities. In addition, Augustana University's highly-ranked nursing program includes both undergraduate and graduate tracks. While the student body is small, Augustana University sits on more than 100 acres, and students enjoy tree-lined green spaces and a campus garden. Recently, Augustana University received significant funding for its sustainability initiatives.

Founded in the 1880s as a teaching college, Dakota State University has since expanded its academics to include associate, pre-professional, undergraduate, and graduate degrees. DSU differs from other South Dakota schools in its commitment to integrating technology throughout every major. In fact, it's the state's designated information technology university. As such, many of its academic programs are available online; student support services, including a writing center, advising, and mental health counseling, are equally accessible for distance learners. No matter your course format, research is a cornerstone of Dakota State's student experience; Madison Cyber Labs is the campus hub for collaborative research opportunities across all disciplines.

Mount Marty University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution situated on the Missouri River. There is an active campus ministry, and students are encouraged to engage in faith-based activities within the community. MMU has a student body of just 1,000 individuals, ensuring that students receive a personalized college experience and faculty support (the ratio of students to faculty is 10:1). While students can choose between 21 different majors, each course of study integrates community service and leadership opportunities. Despite its size, MMU has six accredited master's programs. Mount Marty University's Master of Nursing program made the U.S. News and World Report's list of best nursing schools in the country.

Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, a small, artsy city along the state's western border. BHSU is a public institution committed to student access and sustainability. The campus is also recognized as a top choice for outdoor recreation, with opportunities to hike, kayak, ski, and snowboard just a few miles from campus. Students can pursue nearly 50 undergraduate majors in addition to associate degrees, pre-professional programs, certificates, and a handful of graduate degrees - including a Master of Science in Sustainability. BHSU has a sustainability plan that includes meaningful efforts to reduce the campus energy footprint, expand local food purchasing, and increase recycling and composting infrastructure. BHSU was even recognized as a "bee-certified campus" and a member of Tree Campus USA.

Northern State University in Aberdeen is an institution for students who value small class sizes and meaningful support services. With a student body of 3,000, Northern State boasts a faculty-to-student ratio of 20:1. This is a school that invests in its community. NSU has the distinction of being a Military Friendly School, partners with the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and is frequently listed as one of the most affordable colleges in the country. Incoming freshmen are eligible for the school's WolfPACT Scholarship, which is the largest four-year guaranteed scholarship in the state. NSU even offers in-state tuition to residents of nearby states, including North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

Sinte Gleska University is a two-year public institution located on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Most of its students identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, and the school works to create opportunities for indigenous people and find ways to collaborate and partner with non-tribal community members. Sinte Gleska University provides extensive student support resources, including disability services, mental health services, an on-campus childcare center, literacy resources, and even free transportation services to shuttle students to class. Students can pursue associate degrees in a variety of common fields, including education, business, and nursing. All students are required to take courses in the Lakota language and Lakota history and culture.

The University of Sioux Falls is a Christian school in the heart of Sioux Falls, the most populated city in the state, providing USF students access to the area's museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The urban surroundings also offer robust opportunities for internships and outside-the-classroom experiences. USF has more than 100 degree programs; those seeking online, remote options can choose from continuing education, degree completion, and graduate programs. The University of Sioux Falls stands out in its commitment to providing transparent and accessible tuition rates. USF implemented a Tuition Reset program in 2019, an initiative that reduced the school's annual tuition by more than $10,000 and froze room and board rates.